Focus on suitability

Smart Life Cycle Management: Using fleets sustainably for longer

In addition to circularity and the reuse of materials, corporate sustainability also depends on the right fit. In the context of an intralogistics fleet, this means planning the number and type of industrial trucks so that all vehicles in the fleet are utilised to their full capacity. After all, every forklift truck that remains unused in the warehouse consumes valuable materials and resources, thus placing a strain on both the environment and the budget. However, the right fit also means using all vehicles for as long as possible – provided, of course, that they can still perform their function safely and reliably.

Using vehicles throughout their entire life cycle saves costs and CO2

Put to the test

As it is not always possible to tell from the outside how 'fit' a forklift truck is, STILL offers Smart Life Cycle Management, which enables highly accurate predictions about a vehicle's condition and remaining 'lifetime'. This is primarily used for leased vehicles whose contracts are about to expire, regardless of the manufacturer. Data is collected in collaboration with the customer. STILL experts then analyse each vehicle individually according to various criteria and subject it to a technical inspection. The result is a definitive recommendation as to whether it is worth continuing to use the vehicle. “Overall, the aim is to extend the service life of fleets by just the right amount of time from an economic perspective,” says Steffen Meyn, Consultant – International Key Account Fleet Solutions.

Detailed assessment

With STILL equipment, the assessment goes even deeper. For example, the new 'Smart Life Cycle Management' leasing rate is calculated and compared with both the old leasing rate and the rate for a new vehicle.

Reuse or replace? With Smart Life Cycle Management from STILL, customers receive sound recommendations

In the case of electric vehicles, the battery is also assessed based on its age and the number of charging cycles it has undergone. After all, extending the service life of existing vehicles should include the possibility of reusing the battery. As part of contract extensions, STILL also assumes responsibility for the battery during the new term. By making full use of the vehicle and battery life cycles, companies can reduce costs and their carbon footprint. This contributes to a positive ecological balance.

Precise reuse and savings concept

STILL provides further analyses upon customer request, for example as part of KPI reporting on expiring contracts. This includes determining appropriate consultation intervals, term extensions, and upcoming equipment replacements.

Smart Life Cycle Management provides insightful data analyses, for example on fleet utilisation, and enables the comparison of leasing rates and the evaluation of batteries

This provides companies with a reuse and savings concept that is precisely tailored to their needs. Naturally, this includes a wide selection of lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles whose batteries will need replacing in the near future. “Our aim is to offer every customer a solution that precisely matches their budget, requirements, and individual sustainability goals,” says Meyn, summarising STILL's approach.